Jonathan Jones starts to stick out in the slot for the Patriots

Wednesday

Aug 2, 2017 at 2:11 PM

Mark Daniels Journal Sports Writer MarkDanielsPJ

FOXBORO — Jonathan Jones was a mere afterthought when it came to the Patriots defense last season. As an undrafted rookie, he made his way on the roster thanks to his special teams value and shone in that area all season, finishing third on the team in special teams tackles.

This summer, however, the cornerback is starting to make his mark on the Patriots defense. At this point, Jones seems to be in the lead for the team’s position battle at the slot cornerback position. On Wednesday, he had his best day, intercepting Tom Brady.

“I just take advantage of the opportunities,” Jones said. “When they put me in, it’s my job to make plays and be in the best position that I can and take advantage of those opportunities. They don’t come every day. When they put you in with the first group, second group, third group, your job is to go out there and make plays.”

Jones has routinely been with the starting defense through OTAs, minicamp and in the first six days of camp. His biggest competition looks to be Eric Rowe, who is more talented on the outside at corner but less experienced in the slot. On Wednesday, he started out practice by deflecting a Brady pass while covering tight end Dwayne Allen. His best play came on Brady’s last pass, however. While covering Julian Edelman, Jones tipped a deep ball and stayed with it to nab the interception.

“We’re just all out there competing,” Jones said of the play. “They’re going to get some plays and we’re going to get some plays. That one just happened to go my way.”

Last season, Jones saw some brief time at cornerback, bypassing Cyrus Jones on the depth chart toward the end of the season. So far, it looks like he’s been able to build off that late-season momentum, even if he says he’s not concerned with the depth chart at this moment.

“It doesn’t matter what unit you’re with. It’s camp. You just have to show up and compete, Jones said. “They’re evaluating the first group just as much as the third group. You have to show up and make plays.”